A Touching Real-life Love Story: There’s No Poverty in Marriage
In the eyes of outsiders, they truly seemed poor. Both were college graduates from rural areas, working long hours every day. When they got married, neither of their parents contributed much financially. They pooled their savings together to make a down payment on a one-bedroom apartment, with the remainder to be paid off over the next 20 years. One person’s salary went toward the mortgage, the other’s supported their living expenses.
Their apartment was on the top floor, and in a city where land was extremely expensive, they had no extra money for renovations. The cabinets, shoe rack, vanity, and wardrobe were all made by him in his spare time, borrowing tools and buying materials to build everything himself. Despite its small size, their home had everything they needed. One year they added a water heater, the next year a computer, and little by little, they managed to fill the house with all the necessary appliances.
After receiving their salaries and paying the mortgage, the remaining money went into an envelope placed in a drawer, available for either of them to use. Their life was far from luxurious. During public holidays, while their friends and colleagues were off traveling or shopping, their days off were unique. One day they’d ride their bicycles to the countryside, bringing along books to read under the sun. The next day, they’d go fishing at a nearby pond, relaxing while they fished.
At times, they couldn’t even afford bread, so buying roses was out of the question. During the hardest times, their meals consisted of cabbage and potatoes for days on end. Stir-fried cabbage, cold cabbage salad, cabbage with dried shrimp, cold shredded potatoes, spicy potato slices… He was amazed at the variety of dishes she knew how to prepare, and they enjoyed every meal together. On special days like Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and their wedding anniversary, he always managed to surprise her with little gifts. A delicate keychain, a cute coin purse, a book she’d long wanted, or a silk scarf that had caught her eye—none of these gifts were expensive, and some didn’t cost money at all, yet every time, they brought a smile to her face.
She loved snacks and fruit, so he quit his 30-year smoking habit to save money to buy her the plums she loved and fresh seasonal fruits. He loved dumplings, so she started by buying frozen ones to cook at home but eventually learned how to make them from scratch—preparing the filling, kneading the dough, rolling the wrappers, and making the dumplings herself.
Her clothes were all found in small roadside shops, but she always managed to stand out when she wore them. She was skilled in sewing and loved altering clothes, transforming her finds into unique pieces. He had a few designer suits but preferred casual clothes for everyday life. The money they saved on clothes went toward helping their elderly parents back in the countryside, easing the burden on them.
Their home was cold in the winter and hot in the summer. In the harsh northern winters, ice would form inside their apartment. Unable to afford heating, he would always rush to the cold kitchen to cook dinner after work, plugging in the electric blanket for her, and urging her to stay warm under the covers. In the summer, the apartment felt like it was on fire, especially at night, when the room became unbearably hot, making it impossible to sleep. She would come up with all sorts of ways to cool the room down, drawing the curtains during the day and mopping the floor over and over again when they got home.
When they first started dating, she couldn’t even cook properly. But marriage turned her from a girl who never lifted a finger in the kitchen into a frugal and resourceful homemaker. She learned to steam, boil, fry, and bake, turning simple meals into delicious dishes. She also taught herself to make her own noodles, buns, dumplings, and bread. And, truth be told, her homemade food was far tastier than anything store-bought. As for him, he transformed from a carefree guy who only worried about himself into a thoughtful and attentive husband. All year round, he never let her touch cold water, and every morning, he was the one who pumped up her bike tires before she left for work.
Their home was small, their food simple, and they lived frugally. They were far from owning a private car, dining on luxurious foods, or traveling by train or plane. But they were incredibly close to happiness. There is no such thing as a poor marriage, only a poor lover. If our hearts are full of love, even a marriage that seems poor can become rich.
Thank you for reading! ” Sitestorys “
